Help! Someone Died! 2

What to do upon hearing of a death? (continued)

Our last blog post was too long for a quick read so we split it up. Here is the second installment. If you haven’t read the first installment of What to do upon hearing of a death? or want to refresh your memory, click here.

What food is best to take to the bereaved family immediately following a death?

There are likely to be a lot of people visiting and/or staying with the bereaved immediately after a family death, and people have to eat!

Often the family ends up with too many casseroles and not enough staples. Keep in mind that practical and tasty is often better than a gourmet spread. It is also a good idea to include freezer wrap or a freezer container for cooked food so it can be easily frozen and brought out a few days later. If you are using your own kitchen/dinnerware, be sure to put your name on the bottom.

The following is a variety of suggestions. Remember you are trying to help, not impress.

Other items that can be dropped off at any time in the coming weeks

If you know the family is going to request a donation to a favorite charity, be sure to put the deceased name on your check before you send it. That done, you may still want to do something more personal. The following are a few ideas other than food.

Framed quote that will bring comfort – with note suggesting they pass it on to someone else in the future

Hand and body lotions

Garden stone with a message

Book, if you know they are a reader.

Buy a three-ring binder and install dividers and pockets stuffed with pens, stamps, envelopes, as well as empty pockets for incoming medical bills/mail, death certificates, and other important papers relating to the death.

Religious items if you know the person’s commitment to a certain faith.

Blank journal and a packet of gel pens

Gift certificate for a massage

Coming next:Part three – The Service: What to do/not do, say/not say, wear and not wear